Making Classics

1. support the students in establishing key skills and research experience in preparation for the dissertation element of the programme.

2. introduce students to a range of modern texts and thinkers in key areas of the reception of antiquity.

3. explore a range of theoretical and methodological issues related to the practices of studying the reception of antiquity

After studying this course, students should be able

To understand issues of methodology in relation to Classical Reception

To understand issue of theory in relation to Classical Reception

To develop and complete a research project in Classical Reception

Discuss and present ideas and material in relation to specific themes in Classical Reception

The course will run from a menu of sessions delivered in term one. All strands will be delivered, but the balance between the strands may vary.

The strands will be

Strand 1: Reception - Theory and Foundations

Strand 2: Reception - Literature

Strand 3: Reception - Culture

In term 2 sessions will support students in the development of key skills and the completion of the research tasks. These will be completed alongside the dissertation.

This course will prepare students in a range of study skills for research in Classical antiquity, such as

a. Issues of methodology

b. Issues of bibliography and bibliographic resources

c. Issues of presentation, written and oral

d. Issues of composition of academic writing

e. Issues of designing a research project

Individual tuition will support students in

choice of essay topic

preparation of research project

preparation of bibliographies

development of ideas and research questions

Teaching will be through seminars and directed study. In Autumn term, there will be ten weekly seminars of 2 hours. In the Spring term, there will be three group study-skills sessions (with student presentation of their own work) (total of 6 hours) and directed individual contact with specified tutors (2 hours).

Assessment

Research reports: For each of the 3 strands the student will be expected to produce one written report. The report will review a major work in the field, summarising the ideas, methodologies and theories employed, offering a guide to comparable or contrasting work, and a critique of the approach adopted by the author. Each piece will be 1000-1250 words. Formative assessment will be provided. Each report (without feedback) will be loaded into Moodle to provide an on-line resource for others students on the course. [Best 2 to count 25% each of the summative assessment]

Essay/Project. This will be an essay on one aspect of one of the themes. Students must choose themes cognate their dissertation topic, but which are sufficiently separate that they do not overlap with that topic. Topics will be agreed with the course-leader. 3500-4000 words [50% of summative assessment]